Trey Lance, the quarterback traded to the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2023 season, made his first appearance for the team in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on August 11, 2024. In the narrow 13-12 loss, Lance showcased a mix of potential and areas for improvement, passing for 188 yards on 25-of-41 attempts and adding 44 yards on six carries. While he didn’t throw any touchdowns, his running ability caught the eye of many observers.
Game Breakdown
| Statistic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 188 |
| Completions/Attempts | 25/41 |
| Rushing Yards | 44 |
| Rushing Attempts | 6 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
Lance’s debut performance for the Cowboys was a microcosm of his career thus far – flashes of brilliance mixed with moments that underscore his need for further development. The young quarterback’s ability to extend plays with his legs was evident, but his passing accuracy and decision-making still require refinement.
Reactions from Analysts and Coaches
The football world was quick to weigh in on Lance’s performance, with opinions ranging from cautiously optimistic to constructively critical:
- Marcus Mosher tweeted: “Lance is a good runner but should limit designed runs.”
- David Helman suggested: “Lance should dial down his throws by about 10% to improve his performance.”
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy took a more supportive stance, emphasizing Lance’s potential for growth:
“Trey has shown a remarkable ability to learn from his mistakes and improve over time. He’s still developing, and we’ll continue to work on his skills.”
Lance himself demonstrated a mature perspective on his debut, stating:
“I learned a ton from this game. I’m eager to continue improving and contributing to the team.”
Lance’s Journey to Dallas
Trey Lance’s path to the Cowboys has been anything but conventional:
- Drafted 3rd overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021
- Limited playing time in San Francisco (6 games in 2021, 2 in 2022)
- Traded to Dallas for a fresh start
- Opportunity to learn behind established starter Dak Prescott
The trade to Dallas represents a pivotal moment in Lance’s career, offering him a chance to reset and develop in a new system.
Training Camp and Contract Status
Lance’s first full training camp with the Cowboys has been crucial for his integration into the team:
- Competing for the backup quarterback role with Cooper Rush
- Working on mechanical changes to improve his game
- Entering the final year of his rookie contract after Cowboys declined his fifth-year option
These factors add urgency to Lance’s development, as he aims to prove his worth to the Cowboys organization and secure his NFL future.
Areas for Improvement
While Lance’s running ability was on full display, his performance highlighted several areas requiring attention:
- Passing accuracy
- Decision-making under pressure
- Consistency in reads and progressions
- Ball placement on intermediate and deep throws
As the preseason progresses, Lance will need to show improvement in these areas to solidify his position as the primary backup to Dak Prescott.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys’ coaching staff will be closely monitoring Lance’s progress throughout the remainder of the preseason. Key focus areas include:
- Refining his mechanics
- Improving timing with receivers
- Enhancing his understanding of the Cowboys’ offensive scheme
- Balancing his running instincts with pocket presence
With the regular season approaching, Lance’s development will be crucial not only for his personal growth but also for the Cowboys’ depth at the quarterback position.
As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on Trey Lance to see how he capitalizes on this fresh opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys. His journey from highly touted draft pick to seeking redemption in Dallas is a compelling narrative that will continue to unfold with each snap he takes in the silver and blue.
